Sven strikes again to sign Bulgarian Bojinov

Sven-Goran Eriksson's breathtaking assault on the transfer market has continued with confirmation Manchester City have completed the capture of Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov.

The move had been widely anticipated after Bojinov stated earlier in the week
how thankful he was to Eriksson for giving him a chance to play in the Premier
League.

Bojinov has signed a four-year deal and becomes Eriksson's fourth signing in
24 hours following yesterday's captures of Javi Garrido, Vedran Corluka and
Brazil midfielder Elano. He is Eriksson's eighth signing since taking over as
City boss just over a month ago.

The youngest foreign player ever to appear in Serie A, Bojinov's career has
stalled over the past two seasons.

After an unhappy spell at Fiorentina, the 21-year-old spent last season on
loan at Juventus but failed to make enough of an impression to persuade new
manager Claudio Ranieri to offer him a new contract.

His arrival at Eastlands draws a line under City's transfer activity for this
week at least and is also set to trigger a mass exodus of players, with Darius
Vassell and Georgios Samaras among those likely to leave for pastures new.

In total, Eriksson has spent around £30million since succeeding Stuart Pearce
as manager, with City fans set to get their first glimpse of their new-look side
in tomorrow's friendly with Valencia.

And, while club owner Thaksin Shinawatra has bankrolled Eriksson's amazing
splurge, the former Thai prime minister is realistic about the improvement he
can expect over the next 12 months.

'This season, I feel we should be able to finish in the top 10,' he told the
Manchester Evening News.

'The second season we should be aiming for the top six and qualifying for
Europe. I accept the first year is a learning curve but we should start to be
successful by the third. That is what I would expect.

'I am pleased with what Sven has done. He has set about reshaping the side
and has handled both the existing players and the new ones very well. He has
given everyone their chance.

'Sven has proved to be quite a draw when it comes to signing players. His
name and reputation have proved to be valuable.

'There is more money to spend if he feels he needs it but we will not be held
to ransom by other clubs.'